At the 2022 trade deadline, the Toronto Blue Jays added Whit Merrifield from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for two prospects. Now, Merrifield has signed a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Phillies, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. Merrifield will earn a $7 million base salary in 2024, with an $8 million club option or a $1 million buyout for 2025. The deal also includes a bonus and awards package. Merrifield is coming off a four-year, $16.25 million contract. The deal was signed when he was with the Royals, but his option lay between him and the Blue Jays, with a buyout worth $500,000.
Superutilityman Whit Merrifield and the Philadelphia Phillies are in agreement on a one-year, $8 million contract, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 16, 2024
Whit Merrifield Heads to the NL East
In 189 games with Toronto, Merrifield slashed .274/.319/.394 with 16 home runs, 67 RBI, and 27 stolen bases. Despite being named an All-Star last season, the Blue Jays opted out of Merrifield’s contract. If they didn’t, they would have paid him $18 million in 2024. He hit free agency entering his age-35 season. When he’s healthy, Merrifield will give the team a quality bat with speed on the basepaths. He’s led the American League in stolen bases on three different occasions, including a league-leading 45 in 2018 with Kansas City.
He made $6.75 million with the Blue Jays last season. It may not take much more than to have him as a depth piece for 2024. That makes Merrifield an intriguing option with position flex and a solid track record as a career .284 hitter. His usefulness as a utility player did garner some interest for teams who wanted his serves. Defensively, he can split time between second base and the outfield, particularly in left field for the Phillies. He did have a few spot moments in center field in 2022 too. A team like the Phillies who were looking for a veteran right-handed all this time, and they finally got him. With the injury to Brandon Marsh, Merrifield could be starting in the outfield on Opening Day.
Merrifield in the Outfield
Merrifield could be in the outfield after Bryce Harper is now entrenched at first base. Kyle Schwarber is likely to serve as the designated hitter which leaves Nick Castellanos as the everyday option in right field. Johan Rojas will likely cover centerfield due to the uncertainty of Marsh’s knee surgery. The Phillies are hopeful he will be ready to go for Opening Day, but it comes with a tight deadline.
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